If you lose visual reference while circling to land, what should be your missed approach action?

When you lose visual reference while circling to land, the appropriate missed approach action is to make a climbing turn toward the landing runway and continue until established on the missed approach course. This procedure is vital for several reasons.

First, turning toward the runway helps maintain situational awareness, making it easier to visually reference the airport and associated navigational aids. This action also helps reduce the risk of flying away from the airport and minimizes the potential for conflict with other aircraft, especially if the missed approach occurs in a busy terminal area.

Second, by continuing to climb and establishing on the missed approach course, you ensure that you safely transition back to the published missed approach procedure. This approach provides a structured climb path and ultimately helps pilots ensure they are following regulatory requirements while managing the aircraft’s performance safely during a critical phase of flight.

Choosing to climb straight without turning would not take advantage of the vital visual cues provided by the runway proximity, and making a turn away from the runway could lead to a hazardous situation, as it may take the aircraft away from the airport and complicate the missed approach. Therefore, the correct procedure involves the coordinated actions of maintaining orientation toward the runway while executing the missed approach protocol.